Circuit-breaker.



No. 821,586 PATENTED MAY 22, 1905. E. W. GOUGH."

CIRCUIT BREAKER. APPLICATION FILED DEC. 30. 1904.

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[HG/IA (1 0000/1 Q Vi Luca-ac \v I PATENTED MAY 22,1906.

E. W. GOUGH. CIRCUIT BREAKER;

APPLIGATION FILED DBO. 30, 1904.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

EDGAR WV. GOUGH, OF GREAT BARRINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS. ASSIGNOR TO STANLEY INSTRUMENT COMPANY, OF GREAT BARRINGTON, MASS7(- CHUSETTS, A CORPORATION OF MASSACHUSETTS.

CIRCUIT-BREAKER.

Specification of Letters Patent.

natentea May 22, 1906.

Application filed December 30, 1904. Serial No. 238,912.

exact. description.

My invention relates to improvements in circuit-breakers, and has for its object to provide a circuit-breaker which will be automatically operated when there is an overload on the circuitand also when the current is reversed in direction. The former condition arises when. there is a short circuit on the lines or when too many translating devices have been connected with the'mains. The other condition is one that arises when for any reason the generator changes its polarity or when storage batteries are being charged and the generator is shut down before the batteries are disconnected, allowing the bat teries to discharge through the generator.

It is also liable to occur when one electric circuit or a whole system of electrical distribution is supplied from two or more sources of current, such as two or more generators connected in parallel, in which case if one of the generators or other source of current ceases to supply current without being disconnected the current will be reversed through the apparatus. It may also occur Where direct-current generators are operating in parallel, in which for some reason the polarity of one or more of the generators becomes reversed, thus causing thecurrent to flow in the opposite direction through the machine and circuits, or on any installation where it is desirable that the current shall always flow in the same direction. Switches embodying my invention are designed to meet these and similar emergencies of overloading or re. versal.

My invention may also be embodied in other circuit-breakers responding to underload or to overvoltage or undervoltage.

Thefollowing is a description of apparatus embodying my invention, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, in which V Figure 1 shows the preferred form of such apparatus.

of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a modification ofthe ap- Fig.2 is a detail of the apparatus paratus shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Fig. 4 is a side elevation of a further modification. Fig. 5 is a front elevation of the apparatus of Fig. 4. v

Referring more particularly to the drawings, A is a switch-arm to which is pivoted a rod B, which is engaged by a latch C, connected to the movable soft-iron core D of-the solenoid or electromagnet E. The solenoid or magnet E in this particular embodiment 'is in series withthe switch-arm A and with the translating devices. The latch C is restrained b a tension-spring 0, connected thereto (the rod B being slotted or cut so as to permitia direct-connection) and to an adjustable. device in the base-board of the switch,"whereby the tension on the spring may be changed. In series with the electromagnet'E is another electromagnet having a core F excited by the energizing-coil- This coil F may, if desired, be shunted by a resistance R, (shown in dotted lines,) so that only a given proportion of the current flows through the 'coil. are so disposed as to embrace one of the poles The poles of the core'F of-a polarized armature G, the same preferably consisting of a permanent magnet. This polarized armature is ivoted at its-upper end and is normally he d in central osition between the poles of the core by springs H H. by means of the adjusting-nut I can be adjusted as desired} The armature G through its pivots and support J and the conductor K is electrically-connect ed to the main 1, leading from the direct-current enerator T. The other main 2,leading fromt e enerator, is in series with the energizing-coi ,F'. On

.each side of the armature G are adjustable contacts L L, from which lead conductors to a common point M, from which a conductor M leads to the main 2 beyond the switch-arm A. In the conductors leading from the contacts L L are two lamps or other indicating devices 0 O for the purpose hereinafter described. P P represent motors, lamps, or other translating devices connected to the mains.

The operation of the apparatus is as follows: The armature G is adjusted so as to normally be in substantially central position and out of engagement with either ofthe contacts L L. Assuming that the armature The tension of the spring H senses i 3 abnormal in amount or is reversed in 'uection.

i 3. In combination, a source of current, a circuit leading therefrom, a switch controlling said circuit, a restraining-cat0h for switch, an electromagnet in series with. said switch, a p olarihed armature therefor, an-electromagn'et'ic device for releasin said restraining-catch and a local circuit is: ener izing said electromagnetic device, s id local circuit having contacts adapted to be engaged by a movement of said armature in either direction and close the circuit'throngli said electromagnetic device Whenever the current through the electroinagnet is abnormal amount or is reversed in directicn.-

.4. in comhination,a source of electric cur rent, a circuit leading therefrom, a switch for opening and closing said circuit, means tendingto open said switch, a catch for restrainthe same, a magnet energized from said source, an electromagnetic device for releasing said catch, a local circuit forlene said electromagnetic device, contacts for sai local circuit, means actuated by said magnet when energized either by a current abnormal in amount or by a reversed current to so engage said contacts as to close said local circuit.

5. In combination, a switch-arm, a sprin actuating the same, a catch restraining. said J spring, a magnet for actuating said catch, a

local circuit for said magnet, contacts for said 

